About The Art of Lester West

I am an Illinois-based, self-taught artist whose work bridges traditional and digital media. A decade in the U.S. Army took me to places like Germany and Italy and deepened my curiosity about people and place — a curiosity that finds its way into every piece I create.

From childhood doodles to award-winning high school work (including recognition in Who’s Who in America, 1983–84), art has always been my passion. Though not formally trained beyond high school, I taught myself across many mediums: watercolor remains a favorite, and I been now exploring digital painting with pen displays and Adobe Photoshop. I also works in pen and ink, colored pencil, charcoal, oils and acrylics.

I draw my inspiration from storytellers and masters alike — Norman Rockwell’s narrative warmth, the boldness of Picasso, the eccentricity of Andy Warhol, and the technical brilliance of Michelangelo — while following my own path. I hope my pieces invite viewers into familiar moments reimagined through color, texture and sometimes a quietly curious eye.